Friday, April 25, 2025
ERASE Racism named April Francis Taylor acting president, effective immediately. Taylor, a highly regarded advocate for equity and educational justice, steps into the role after Laura Harding’s tenure as president, which ended earlier this year.
Taylor has spent much of her career advocating for systemic change, with a focus on dismantling structural barriers to education and fostering inclusive learning environments. Her work spans Nassau and Suffolk Counties, where she has held both teaching and administrative roles.
Taylor’s expertise also includes policy development, conflict resolution, leadership training, and regional collaboration, all of which will play a key role in her new position with ERASE Racism, a New York-based civil rights organization dedicated to exposing and addressing structural racism, particularly in public school education and housing.
“April brings to ERASE Racism a depth of experience advocating for and implementing programs aimed at educational equity on Long Island and statewide,” said Kalpana Bhandarkar, co-chair of ERASE Racism’s Board of Directors said in a news release. “We know that our organization and our initiatives will benefit from her experience and expertise, as we work to enhance and expand ERASE Racism’s vital legacy.”
Taylor has been honored for her dedication to education, earning numerous accolades such as the Most Dedicated Teacher Award from the Uniondale school district and the Educator of the Year Award from the Town of Brookhaven. She has also taught in East Rockaway and been a program director for Eastern Suffolk BOCES.
Her work also extends beyond the classroom — Taylor has actively collaborated with policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups to challenge discriminatory practices and promote social justice.
“I’m excited to take on this new leadership opportunity with such a distinguished civil rights organization,” Taylor said in the release. “With the unwavering support of the dedicated Board, administrative team, and community, we will continue ERASE Racism’s mission together.”
She has served in leadership roles, including as vice president of the New York State Council of the Social Studies and on the executive committee of the Middle States Council of the Social Studies. Her ongoing commitment to the improvement of her community is reflected in her current board positions with the Long Island Latino Teachers Association and Equity 4 Long Island Youth, as well as her role as Education Chair for the Islip-Smithtown Branch of the NAACP.
“April has a relentless drive to eradicate racial disparities and advance equity,” said Edward Pichardo, co-chair of ERASE Racism’s Board of Directors, said in the release. “That drive is essential at this crucial time in our history, as we continue to propel transformative change on Long Island.”
Taylor is also an adjunct professor at Hofstra and Stony Brook universities, where she teaches courses on educational leadership and instructional best practices. She is also pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational and Policy Leadership at Hofstra.
“ERASE Racism’s work is critical to addressing the devastating impact of historical and ongoing structural racism,” Taylor said in the release.
“I am honored to lead this incredible organization and help drive lasting change, particularly in education and housing. Together, we will continue to build on ERASE Racism’s vital mission and expand its impact.”
